McClaren Pleased With Performance But Still Lots To Do

Steve McClaren and the Newcastle team have put up with a very tough pre-season, and the tour over here of the US made things a lot more difficult.

That was because of all the traveling involved, the extreme heat which the players are not used to, and then the jet lag when the players both arrive in the US and then arrive back in Newcastle.

That all helps to debilitate the players, the coaches and the journalists accompanying them on the tour, so it may look glamorous on paper, but it’s a real grind.

Steve McClaren, Ian Cathro and MacBook today
Newcastle will learn that it’s not a good idea to play a game on an artificial surface too, with many players unable to play in Portland, and so we effectively played a second eleven on the last game of the tour.

We suppose one of the problems Lee Charnley had when arranging the fixtures was there was no real input from the coach on the schedule, because at the time we didn’t have a permanent head coach – only the inexperienced John Carver in charge of the side.

As well as the schedule, Steve seems frustrated because we had some good build up play today, but when we got into that final third we were not sharp enough, although we hit the woodwork twice and went close a couple of other times.

Newcastle were narrowly beaten 1-0 by a good Borussia Monchengladbach side who have qualified for the group stages of this season’s Champions League.

This is what Steve McClaren said after the game:

“I suppose all clubs will be thinking that they could do with a bit more work.” “We lost a week, two weeks ago with travelling in the States and playing a game on AstroTurf.”

“We are trying to get that back and recover from the travel. I am delighted where the players are considering that schedule.” “Do we need to do more? Lots more.”

“We have to be patient.” “It’s a word I don’t like but you can’t force things but I am pleased with the development with the team have made.”

“I have been frustrated all pre-season because our play has been good and we have built up well, but our final ball and our final finish hasn’t been there. You expect that will come with more work and as the season goes on.”

“I was pleased in terms of controlling the game because generally when we have played other games it has been end to end and a bit open. It was more tactical and more cat and mouse today.”

“I thought it was the best we’ve done pre-season.”

We thought the lads played quite well today considering where we are with two new players just coming into the side.

The defense was OK, but it was another simple mistake that gave the goal away – and that’s been our Achilles heel for three years now – so we should fix it quickly by bringing in another top center-back.

7 responses so far ↓

we are in for a big shock next week not many reading this team right 1 defend no leader people talking about improvement where ?? borussia played the full game at there pace never had to move up a gear ….calling willo when 10 game taylor was ever bit as bad ….oberton a footballer never …pawl told me last week that i know nothing about the modern game well what i do know if you defend like that there’s only one way your going

Cestria
That made me chuckle
Hibbit
I thought we be in for a big shock today but a bit of a jammy goal for them and us hitting the woodwork twice fills me with hope.
Macca has said (and he is very diplomatic about the previous set up) there are no quick solutions. We have a tough start to the season it is going to be fascinating the team needs supporters not whiners.

In honor of two dedicated Newcastle fans, who lost their lives supporting Newcastle United.

Their passenger jet was shot down over Ukraine on Thursday July 17th, 2014 by rebels, as they were traveling to support the team in New Zealand.

We will never forget them.

Health Update - 4 Aug, 2016

The good news last week was that after more blood tests my PSA count is still undetectable

This means the prostate cancer is still under control, and there is no trace of it in the body.

Now to be even more vigilant so I can see the Rafa Benitez project come to its fruition over the next few years - wouldn't want to miss that.

Howay The Lads!!>

Ed Harrison

What Is A Football Club?

What is a club in any case?

Not the buildings or the directors or the people who are paid to represent it.

It’s not the television contracts, get-out clauses, marketing departments or executive boxes.

It’s the noise, the passion, the feeling of belonging, the pride in your city.

It’s a small boy clambering up stadium steps for the very first time, gripping his father’s hand, gawping at that hallowed stretch of turf beneath him and, without being able to do a thing about it, falling in love.